Ryan, a 1-year-old boy with a history of an arachnoid cyst and refractory epilepsy, also suffers from West syndrome. At the age of 6 months, he had brain surgery to drain the cyst and has been on several different seizure medications since he was 2 months old.

Ryan is using a medication called vigabatrin, which is working to control his seizures. The costs associated with this drug are not covered by insurance because vigabatrin is from Canada and is not FDA-approved.

The NWPBA has helped raise more than $10,000 to offset medical costs by sponsoring fundraising events, mail-out fund drives, and support from Manhattan Beer Distributors. Donations are still being accepted and can be sent to the Ryan Bernstein Fund, 1 Virginia Circle, Newburgh 12550.